HDW Co is a listed company which plans to meet increased demand for its products by 
buying new machinery costing $5 million. The machinery would last for four years, at the end of which it would be replaced. The scrap value of the machinery is expected to be 5% of the initial cost. Capital allowances would be available on the cost of the machinery on a 25% reducing balance basis, with a balancing allowance or charge claimed in the final year of operation.

This investment will increase production capacity by 9,000 units per year and all of these units are expected to be sold as they are produced. Relevant financial information in current price terms is as follows:

In addition to the initial cost of the new machinery, initial investment in working capital 
of $500,000 will be required. Investment in working capital will be subject to the general rate of inflation, which is expected to be 4·7% per year.

HDW Co pays tax on profits at the rate of 20% per year, one year in arrears. The company has a nominal (money terms) after-tax cost of capital of 12% per year.

Required:

Discuss the difference between a nominal (money terms) approach and a real terms approach to calculating net present value.

(5 marks)